Assessment of ground water pollution through metal index analysis and its source identification along the Delhi-Haryana boarder, India

Abstract

An integrated study of health risk assessment, pollution indices, and factor analysis was carried out to assess the pollution and heavy metal sources in groundwater of the Delhi-Haryana boarder, India. A total of 25 groundwater samples were analyzed for major ions, and 13 samples were analyzed for 6 elements (Mn, Cu, Cd, Zn, Fe, and Pb). Most of the samples show a high concentration of nitrate, fluoride, and EC and indicate the influence of anthropogenic activities. Out of the elements analyzed, the elements like Cd, Pb, and Fe exceed the prescribed limits of WHO standard for drinking water. Health risk index (HRI) values reveal risk of toxicity through oral pathways is less, as all trace elements are < 1. Six locations (Sl. No. 2, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 13) are considered as the most polluted based upon their heavy metal pollution index (HPI). The distribution pattern of these locations indicates that the pollution is due to anthropogenic activities. Sources of the pollution were determined by statistical analysis. There are three major factors like mining and agriculture, geogenic source, and crusher zone activities and domestic activities that are mainly responsible for the heavy metal pollution in the study area.